# Douglas — Henry IV, Part I character guide

> Douglas in Henry IV, Part I by William Shakespeare.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Lord Douglas, The Douglas, the Douglas, Earl of Douglas

**First appearance:** 0004-act-i-scene-iii

## Snapshot

A Scottish earl whose ferocity in battle makes him a prized ally of the rebels and a name the English king cannot stop hearing.

## Who they are

Douglas is the rebel army's most feared fighter, a Scot whose valor at Holmedon was so notable that King Henry lists his defeat among Hotspur's greatest prizes. He pushes for immediate battle at Shrewsbury, accusing Vernon of cowardice when caution is urged, and his readiness to fight anyone at any time embodies the rebellion's aggressive spirit. His presence on the rebel side raises the stakes of the coming battle and gives Hotspur a comrade-in-arms as reckless as himself.

## Relationships

### [King Henry IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/henry_iv_part_i_se/characters/king_henry_iv)

_rivalry_

Douglas is a fierce Scottish warrior fighting against King Henry, seeking to kill him in battle.

### [Prince Hal](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/henry_iv_part_i_se/characters/prince_hal)

_rivalry_

Douglas is a direct battlefield enemy of Prince Hal, whom he attempts to kill during the climactic battle.

### [Falstaff](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/henry_iv_part_i_se/characters/falstaff)

_rivalry_

Douglas and Falstaff are enemies on the battlefield, though Falstaff famously avoids fighting him by playing dead.

### [Prince Hal](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/henry_iv_part_i_se/characters/prince_hal)

_rivalry_

Douglas is a direct battlefield enemy of Prince Hal, whom he attempts to kill during the climactic battle.

### [Prince Hal](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/henry_iv_part_i_se/characters/prince_hal)

_rivalry_

Douglas is a direct battlefield enemy of Prince Hal, whom he attempts to kill during the climactic battle.

### [Falstaff](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/henry_iv_part_i_se/characters/falstaff)

_rivalry_

Douglas and Falstaff are enemies on the battlefield, though Falstaff famously avoids fighting him by playing dead.

## In the story

### [Scene II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/henry_iv_part_i_se/chapters/act-iii-scene-ii)

Mentioned as Hotspur's defeated foe who later becomes an ally in the rebellion.

### [Scene I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/henry_iv_part_i_se/chapters/act-iv-scene-i)

Praises Hotspur as 'king of honour,' supports the rebellion, and expresses no fear of death.

### [Scene III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/henry_iv_part_i_se/chapters/act-iv-scene-iii)

Supports Hotspur's desire to fight that night and accuses Vernon of cowardice.

### [Scene II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/henry_iv_part_i_se/chapters/act-v-scene-ii)

Defies King Henry by delivering a challenge via Westmoreland, and urges the rebels to arm.

### [Scene III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/henry_iv_part_i_se/chapters/act-v-scene-iii)

Mistakes Sir Walter Blunt for the king and kills him; vows to kill all the king's decoys.

### [Scene IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/henry_iv_part_i_se/chapters/act-v-scene-iv)

Attacks King Henry, is driven off by Prince Hal, then fights Falstaff who feigns death.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/henry_iv_part_i_se/characters/douglas
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/henry_iv_part_i_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/henry_iv_part_i_se/characters